Motor Rally 9/10 February

Further to our post below and communications with South Hams Motor Rally, we have received an in-depth response from them.  Please view this here on a separate page.

​We have received notification that The South Hams Motor Rally is to pass through our village on 9th-10th February. It is a 140 mile route on metalled and unmetalled roads and will pass through the village at approximately midnight. This stage is estimated to last about an hour and is to follow a route from Dunchideock towards Holloway Barton, with a maximum of 40 vehicles.  Concern has been expressed regarding the safety aspects of this event.  The Parish Council Chairman, Sarah Sharpe has sent the following correspondence to the organisers.  Any responses will be put on this website and advised to those who have raised concerns.

I am writing to you following an approach from a number of our parishioners who have expressed deep concern regarding the South Hams Motor Club 'Primrose Rally' planned for 9th-10th February 2019. The route of the rally goes through the residential area of our village on two way, single track country lanes with some properties that lie directly on the edge of the highway with steps and entrances directly onto the road itself.
These residents will not only suffer disturbance from the noise of the rally cars passing their properties but are naturally concerned about the risk of damage to their properties, should a driver lose control of their vehicle.
Whilst I understand that you have made the statutory notifications to the Police can you advise me of what risk assessment has been made for the section of the rally passing through Dunchideock and what public liability insurance is in place to cover injury to other road users and damage to property or death or injury to domestic and farm animals? Regardless of insurance provision, some of these properties are listed buildings and all of them are people's homes and any damage would be traumatic and upsetting.
Whilst it is appreciated that the roads through our village are subject to national speed limits, users must drive to a speed that is conducive with the conditions of the road. In a timed rally with a competitive element, it is likely that drivers will be driving at excessive speeds, thus increasing the risk and we are not aware of any road closures to preclude oncoming traffic in the narrow sections of our country lanes.
There is little doubt that your rally will be challenging and exhilarating for your competitors, a spectacle for bystanders and enthusiasts but it represents a period of stress and anxiety for some of our residents. In order to work with us and reduce the risk and concern to our householders, would it be possible to impose a restricted speed limit section through our village please?
I look forward to your views and the information requested.
Regards
Sarah Sharpe
Chairman - Dunchideock Parish Council

Update : We have received the attached response from the organisers of the Rally.  Please click here to view it.